Los Angeles – The UCLA Bruins football program entered a new chapter this summer as head coach Bob Chesney took the reins following a 3‑9 campaign in 2025. Chesney, who built a winning reputation over 16 seasons at James Madison, arrived with a clear plan: overhaul the roster, improve on‑field performance, and re‑engage longtime fans who have watched attendance at the Rose Bowl decline.
Massive roster influx
Within weeks of his hiring, Chesney signed 62 new players, 42 of whom are transfers. Among the newcomers are three offensive linemen from James Madison—All‑Sun Belt selections Riley Robell and Carter Sweazie, plus JD Raymer—who are expected to give quarterback Nico Iamaleava better protection. Iamaleava, who posted 1,928 passing yards, 505 rushing yards and 17 total touchdowns last season, hopes the upgraded line will revive the excitement he generated at Tennessee before transferring to UCLA.
Coaching staff adds experience
Chesney also brought in offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, both former James Madison staff members. Hitschler’s unit at JMU ranked fifth nationally in yards allowed (266.6 per game). He arrived with four defensive players who helped achieve that ranking, aiming to improve UCLA’s 387.0 yards per game allowed in 2025. The Bruins recorded only ten sacks and 40 tackles for loss last season, both the lowest totals in the FBS.
Key transfers and departures
Among the incoming talent are DE Sahir West (James Madison), WR Brian Rowe Jr. (South Carolina), RB Wayne Knight (James Madison), WR Landon Ellis (James Madison) and LB Sammy Omosigho (Oklahoma). The team also saw several departures: RB Jalen Berger graduated, WR Kwazi Gilmer transferred to Nebraska, WR Rico Flores Jr. moved to Virginia, OL Garrett DiGiorgio entered the NFL, and DT Gary Smith III also signed with an NFL team.
Upcoming schedule
The Bruins will open the 2026 season at California on Sept. 5, travel to Oregon on Oct. 12, and close the regular season against rival USC on Nov. 28. The revamped roster and coaching staff aim to turn those matchups into victories and restore pride to the program.
Community and fan outreach
Beyond the field, Chesney has been active in campus life, meeting with student groups, alumni, and local community leaders to encourage attendance at the Rose Bowl. His high‑energy personality and emphasis on family‑friendly game‑day experiences are intended to bring back fans who have felt disconnected from a struggling program.
As UCLA looks ahead to the 2026 season, the combination of new talent, experienced coaching, and a renewed focus on fan engagement offers a hopeful outlook for the Bruins and the Westwood community.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
